Mother of woman who died at Bradford County Jail wants change at facility

bradford county, florida – The mother of a woman who died in Bradford County Jail says more should have been done to help her daughter.

Alaina Lily, 32, was found unresponsive from a suicide attempt on Friday, February 24th. she later died.

“Alaina was such a sweet girl,” said Loretta Dial, Alaina’s mother. “She’s been going through it mentally for the last few years. I don’t know what broke her mentally.”

Dial said her daughter was a baker on multiple occasions, and the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office knew or should have known about Lily’s condition.

“She was acting Baker a week before her arrest,” Dialle said. “I mean, if they were doing a little homework and doing emergency management, I think someone here would know.”

Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said that after Lily was found, officials immediately began saving lives and called fire departments. She was taken to hospital in critical condition. Then on Sunday she was taken off her life support and died.

“I am devastated,” said Dyal. “To be honest, I’m pissed off right now. I’m just mad at the way they do it, and a little appalled at the way they do it.”

She feels the prison should have helped more.

News4JAX asked the corrections major two questions. How often are inmates checked in, and were there any notices or indications that the inmate needed help from someone outside or from the inmate himself?

the major said Inmates on suicide watch are checked every 15 minutes, and cells are constantly monitored. News4JAX were told Lily was under disciplinary custody. This meant she was checked on her every hour. Major said there were no signs or indications that Lily was implying her suicide.

“I think they need to take more time to assess the situation,” Dyal said. “They may say they didn’t know she was suicidal or didn’t want to, but I tell you, they knew.”

The major in charge said there are multiple ways to indicate that you need help from someone outside, a mental health group that comes in to talk to the inmate, or the inmate himself.

Dyal says it’s not enough and she wants to see a change. “I don’t want her to die in vain. You see, I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.

According to arrest reports, Lilly was arrested in December for selling drugs.

Her mother is considering legal action and may file a wrongful death lawsuit.

The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office said it is awaiting the FDLE’s report and will review everything and make improvements as necessary.